Course

Module 1

Module 1: Overview of Management Consulting landscape (6 hours)

1. Introduction to Consulting as a discipline
2. Practice Structure
3. Consulting Process

Module 2

Module 2: Problem Identification. (6 hours)

1. Problem identification and definition
2. In-Class Activity
3. Simulated ideation workshop

Module 3

Module 3: Research Analysis (6 hours)

1. Data collection techniques – 1
2. Data collection techniques – 2
3. Analysis framework and techniques – 1
4. Analysis framework and techniques – 2
5. Analysis framework and techniques – 3
6. Analysis framework and techniques – 4
7. Mid-course group presentation (graded)
8. Analysis frameworks and techniques – 5
9. Analysis framework and techniques – 6

Module 4

Module 4: Recommendation and Implementation (6 hours)

1. Structuring findings and recommendations
2. Program Management
3. Program Management Workshop – 1
4. Program Management Workshop – 2
5. Change Management
6. Change Management Workshop – 1
7. Change Management Workshop – 2

Course Description

Business/Management consulting is one of the top three career choices for MBA professionals and is predominantly a day zero company for placements in most B-schools. Apart from pureconsulting organizations, many mainstream firms have specialist teams embedded within theirorganizations for internal consulting assignments. Consulting skills are a prerequisite for business analyst roles in technology firms such as Accenture, Capgemini, IBM (and like) as well as firms such as Cisco, Dell- EMC and a host of Global In-house centers/captive firms based in India. In addition, new age firms such as amazon, Uber and Ola who work on a matrixHR structure significantly appreciate consulting skills. In short, consulting skills are increasingly being considered as base line requirement in an MBA professional.

Despite its importance in the industry, the required consulting skills are not comprehensively covered in the B School curriculum or for that in any of the professional PG courses leaving the newly hired consultants struggling to adapt to the demands of the industry. Consulting skillscan be acquired through a combination of classroom training by practitioners and/or apprenticeship in consulting centric organizations. This elective program aims at accelerating the skill acquisition process and involves opportunity to learn from professionals with hands- on consulting experience. In addition to enhance the learning, the course will include live sessions from active consulting professionals drawn from the industry.

Course Outcomes& Learning levels

This course aims to introduce the world of business / management consulting to students. The course involves understanding the nuances of business consulting as well as aid acquisition ofkey management skills for a career post-MBA. The course will directly help students to inculcate an “analytical” / consultative approach in problem identification and framing, analysis and problemsolving, making recommendations that are heard and finally the skills needed for execution.

By the end of the course, students should be able to

1. Demonstrate an ability to be at ease with abstract business problems and identify clearbusiness objectives as part of strategic focus.
2. Demonstrate an ability to analyze critical business issues.
3. Demonstrate an ability to scan the external environment to identify business headwinds Demonstrate an ability to formulate a strategy for the business.

Evaluation Pattern

* Based on assignments / Tests / Quizzes / Case Studies / Projects / Term paper / Field visit report.

1. Ethan, M. R. (1999). The McKinsey Way, McGraw- Hill
2. Rigby, D. K. (2015). Management tools 2015. An Executive’s Guide, Bain & Company.
3. Block, P. (2011). Flawless consulting: A guide to getting your expertise used. John Wiley& Sons.